Some years ago, I recall meeting up with some friends who, along with myself, share an intrinsic love for automobiles. In our stimulating discussion about car quirkiness, my obsessive and somewhat eccentric nature led to the topic of why I never fold my side mirrors whenever I park. They questioned my logic and, of course, I was more than happy to explain. The habit may be a bit odd at first, but let me shed some sense on this practice.

I've been pretty anal about car maintenance ever since the automobile bug bit me years ago. I guess it was a recessive gene that eventually surfaced, as my late father was a true-blue petrolhead.

Here's the explanation: Most vehicle blemishes such as dings, dents, and scratches accumulate around the front, rear, and side panels. Sometimes, the roof too. Why? Well, these areas come in contact with, well, almost everything and everyone your vehicle comes across whether you're moving or stationary.

There's nothing more irritating than returning to your car to find damage that wasn't there an hour ago, when you parked it in a supposedly safe area. No place is absolutely safe. It is truly up to the vehicle's owner to find ways of improving their vehicle's safety regardless of location. With that in mind, I developed the habit of never folding my side mirrors. Even the home garage is no exception. Simple observation led me to this habit that definitely suits our motoring environment.

Folding your side-mirrors eliminates/lessens that buffer zone of safety between your side panels and pedestrians passing by your parked car, or that vehicle parking into that vacant slot next to your ride. Based on experience and how the human brain reacts, regardless of how small you think your side mirrors are, we are always subconsciously/consciously avoiding to hit it.

Your mirrors lessen the odds of a person who may be holding, say, an umbrella, carrying a bag with zippers/rivets sticking out, wearing jewelry, etc., coming into contact with your car's sides. In the instance where someone or something hits your side mirrors, the damage it may incur (which usually is very minor) can't be as costly or bad as repairing dented and scratched side panels, unless that person or thing decides to intentionally break off your side mirror. That would be considered vandalism/theft and is off-topic.

To put things into proper perspective, the whole idea here is preserving your factory finish. If your car has one of those special colors that's difficult to match by any paint shop, I highly suggest exerting extra effort in maintaining it. Keep in mind that no matter how small the scratch or chip on your finish is, it will require refinishing the entire panel for an even result.

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As a bonus, let me share with you another technique I use incorporating my side mirrors given we have a lot of cramped parking spaces. When parking next to a vehicle, especially one with long doors, align your side mirror to where that door's handle is or simply estimate the trajectory of the same door if it's to open and hit your car. Better to have that door's edge hitting your side mirror than messing up your door panel.

When sandwiched between two cars, focus more on the passenger's side of the other car. Usually, drivers tend to exert more caution when opening his/her door rather than a passenger like a little kid would. At the end of the day, applying common sense and a bit of imagination will definitely improve your chances of preserving the beauty of your car.

Manskee Nascimento is a musician, businessman, baker, father and car lover. He also happens to write well. This we found out while running into him at one industry event. We think he deserves an audience.

@Cyverwin, if you want the X1 you already have a winner for yourself, since the X1 is a good product from BMW and the XV is also a good product too that also has plenty of goodies to start, afterall, it's brand preference and what you really like.

one.edchelle:

It's been awhile since I last messaged here! woohooo! Anyway, I love the new Civic RS Turbo

quick question...if the car i bought do not get the said km/l or fuel economy advertised by the company, is it a valid ground for fraud? and should companies be fined if they wrongfully advertise false claims such as fuel economy?

kalyeng2016:

Hi Topgear, where can I post road-relevant topics?

philmerc:

where are your forums now? Cant find on this site?

cocoa147:

Hello
Good Day
I'm an avid fan of Top Gear ever since and thanks to you guys I always get updated on what's the latest trends about automotive and etc.
I got a problem and I thought you could help me on this one. I did some research but I just wanted to hear it from the best. The ABS warning light is always turned on even while driving. The question/s 1.) Is that normal? 2.) Would other components be affected if ABS warning light were on even while driving? 3.) Does it cost much?
I'

grayt168:

Hi Top Gear, I'm looking to buy a Crossover or SUV. My budget is around 1M. Criteria is durability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. Kindly suggest options. Should I just wait for Honda W-RV?

Springman:

Hi Top Gear. I'm looking for a hatchback car for my college kid. My budget is 600k. I'm thinking of getting Mitsubishi Mirage but if you can recommend a better one then I would really appreciate it. I don't really know much about cars, that's why I went here. Thanks!